In vitro studies of water activity and bacterial growth inhibition of sucrose-polyethylene glycol 400-hydrogen peroxide and xylose-polyethylene glycol 400-hydrogen peroxide pastes used to treat infected wounds.

Water activity and bacterial growth inhibition have been studied in formulations comprising either sucrose or xylose along with polyethylene glycol 400 and hydrogen peroxide. The pastes are chemically stable for 6 months if stored at 2 to 8 degrees C and have been shown to lower water activity to levels below those essential for bacterial growth and to be bactericidal even when diluted up to 50% with serum. Of the organisms tested, Staphylococcus aureus proved the least susceptible to the bactericidal effects of these pastes, and candida and gram-negative organisms proved the most susceptible. Pastes without hydrogen peroxide were less rapidly bactericidal than pastes with hydrogen peroxide, while polyethylene glycol 400 itself was found to have considerable antimicrobial activity. It is suggested that sucrose paste may be of benefit as a treatment for infected and malodorous wounds.